The Top Ender Magazine February March 2021 Edition

DCO National
A New Name for DCO
Defence Community
Organisation - NT
In 2020, we took the time to reflect
on our purpose and vision for the
future and we’re excited to
announce that we will officially
change our name from Defence
Community Organisation (DCO) to
Defence Member and Family
Support (DMFS) from 1 July 2021.
DCO was formed in 1996 when the
three Services’ family support
organisations were brought
together. Since then, DCO has
grown to have a nation-wide
presence with on-the-ground
services delivered from local area
offices and ADF transition centres.
It’s important that Defence
members and their families see
DCO’s services as something
accessible to them as part of their
community. Recently we’ve received
some feedback that families may
think DCO is not part of Defence
and that our programs and services
are not available to them.
To overcome that misconception,
we undertook staff and stakeholder
consultation last year, within
Defence and also with Defence
Families of Australia, the
Department of Veterans’ Affairs and
a number of ex-service
organisations. This consultation
helped us develop a new name that
people could look at or hear and
immediately know what we do and
who we do it for.
So what does this name
change mean for families?
There will be no changes to the
services we currently provide to
Defence families. The local area
offices around Australia will remain
and there will be no changes to the
Defence Family Helpline number
1800 624 608 or email.
Leading up to the change, you’ll
start to see DMFS increasingly used
so by 1 July 2021, there won’t be
any surprises. Families can expect to
see a couple of changes online as
we update our factsheets, guides,
forms and office email addresses to
reflect our new name. Families can
also expect to see name changes to
our social media channels,
(Facebook, Instagram and Twitter),
our Google business listings and on
ForceNet.
So when will the name
change formally take
place?
We have selected 1st July 2021 to
officially change our name because it
coincides with DCO’s 25th
anniversary. This is a chance to look
back on where we’ve come from,
where we are and where we are
going in the future.
Defence Community Organisation’s NT
team hope that December and January
treated you all kindly and that, as you
settle into your 2021 routine, you take
the time to check out the great activities
and resources available to you.
In addition to the Top Ender, the Off
the Leash magazine and website https://
www.offtheleash.net.au/ is also a great
guide to what's on across the Top End.
It has something for everyone – local
gigs, book and film reviews, youth
activities, what’s happening in the Arts
scene.
For those with small children, do not
underestimate the wonderful air
conditioned libraries, or the activity
room at the museum. The cinemas also
provide a wonderful retreat and the
Wave Pool is fun for big and little kids
alike. A number of sports will be up and
running in late January. For those new
to Darwin, yes AFL is a wet season
sport; cricket is a dry season sport; and
all sports and community groups are
always looking for new players, officials
DCO
defence.gov.au/dco
defence.gov.au/DCO/Family/Partners/PEAP
and volunteers alike. A big plus in
Darwin and Katherine is that you will
never get caught in that traffic snarl as
you are in transit from one activity to
another –access is easy. The School
Sports Vouchers are also a great way for
families to be introduced to new sports
or activities.
Defence Community Organisation’s NT
team look forward to meeting new to
and returning Darwin and Katherine
ADF members and their families at our
February and March activities, plus
reconnecting with those who are in their
second, third or additional years in the
NT. You will see us at meet and greets
and unit welcomes; plus at the
community groups – Network Tindal,
Robertson Barracks Family Group, and
Larrakeyah Neighbourhood House.
Please take the time to come and chat,
and we can connect you with your local
community and services, or just reach
out.
Defence Community Organisation’s
Defence Family Helpline is the best way
to access the programs and services that
we offer to help Defence families
manage the military way of life. The
Helpline is staffed by qualified human
services professionals including social
workers and psychologists and provides
advice, referrals and local community
information. The Defence Family
Helpline can be contacted 24/7 on 1800
624 608 or via email
defencefamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au.
See our website
www.defence.gov.au/dco for more
information about local events and
activities or follow Defence Community
Organisation on social media to stay upto-date
with news and events for
members and their families in the NT.
Again, from myself and the DCO NT
team, welcome to the Top End.
Di Elson
Area Manager
DCO, NT Team
CONNECT WITH DEFENCE COMMUNITY ORGANISATION
Defence Family Helpline
1800 624 608
defencefamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au
Stay tuned for updates on our social
media channels, - we’re really
excited to start this new chapter
supporting Defence members and
their families!
Hello from the DCO NT team!
Welcome back! We hope you all had an enjoyable break.
To all the new families, a huge welcome to the Northern
Territory from the Defence Community Organisation NT
team! We have some exciting events and activities
planned for 2021, with something for everyone. Follow us
on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or ForceNet for up to
date event information and links to tickets. You can also
find out what events are coming up by checking out the
national events calendar on our website https://
www.defence.gov.au/dco
Are you looking for work and want to
become job-ready?
initiatives to assist ADF partners become job ready. We’ve
extended the eligibility criteria to all ADF partners, so you can
apply for PEAP if you’ve been in location a while and your
employment circumstances have changed, or if you’re looking
to get back into the workforce. You don’t have to wait until
your next posting, or if your ADF member is medically
transitioning to be eligible.
You can find a range of information and resources about PEAP
on the DCO website. Visit the PEAP webpage on https://
www.defence.gov.au/DCO/Family/Partners/PEAP.asp for more
information or to download the factsheets, guidelines or
application forms.
Sukhjot Kahlon
Each year, Defence Community Organisation DCO hosts events around the
country to welcome families to their new location. The Palmerston family
attended the Canberra event held at Royal Military College Duntroon.
Photo by Corporal Kylie Gibson
Our Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP)
provides up to $1,500 funding towards employment-related
Family Liaison Officer, Darwin
DCO, NT Team
18 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 19